Method and apparatus for suspending a ballistic target

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for presenting a target wherein a horizontal support member is supported above a surface and a target is supported from the horizontal member. From a starting position the target is allowed to deflect when struck by a projectile. By minimizing the forward looking profile of the horizontal support member, projectiles are less likely to strike it.

BACKGROUND

There are many apparatus for suspending a ballistic target. Most of these mechanisms are made of a hardened steel, which typically, but not always an abrasion resistant material. The targets themselves are also typically made of hardened, abrasion resistant steel. These targets resemble a gong, especially when they are attached to corresponding suspending mechanism.

Such gong type targets are quite commonplace. In fact, target systems made by competing manufactures are very similar to each other and there are little to no distinguishing characteristics. This is typical in an industry where innovation fell off early because the products are very simple and “low tech”.

Among the simplest gong target systems includes a pair a leg assemblies where each leg assembly itself includes two legs and each assembly is designed to fit over a horizontal bar. A simplistic horizontal bar is inserted into receptacles included in the leg assembly. One leg assembly is so provided on each side of the bar to form a dual “A-Frame” much akin to a small children's swing set. In the most simple of systems, the leg assembles are structured to fit over a piece of lumber, e.g. a 2-by-4.

In these simplistic gong target systems suspend a target from the horizontal bar using metal chain. There are several problems with such simplicity, one of which has serious safety implications. When a target suspended by chain is struck by a bullet, the kinetic energy is dissipated in a completely uncontrolled manner. At the moment of impact, the target is displaced but its direction of travel in unpredictable. This means that a bullet's path, post impact, cannot be predicted. Ricochet derived injuries are a real threat.

Recognizing the lethality of ricochet events, the industry has made some strides in restraining the movement of the target when it is struck by a bullet. Some target suspension systems are structured so as to partially restrain the target, but still cannot maintain an orthogonal orientation of the target relative to the shooter. So, there is always some axial rotation around a vertical axis. A ricochet can still be directed toward others on the shooting range.

In those systems that attempt to partially restrain a gong target, the target is suspended using solid hanger members. These prior art hanging members move independently and, worse yet, the target itself can still rotate about the vertical axis because the solid hangers are allowed to move independently. Also, these prior art systems typically attach the solid hangers to the horizontal bar using a free-moving attachment mechanism, for example a short span of chain. The same type of attachment is also used at the target.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Several alternative embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings and figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial a representation of one example embodiment of a system for suspending a ballistic target;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that depicts one example method for suspending a ballistic target;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for suspending a ballistic target that further minimizes ricochet accidents;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that depicts yet another alternative method for suspending a ballistic target that preserves the integrity of the horizontal support member;

FIG. 5 depicts one alternative method is for supporting a ballistic target. In this alternative example method, a slot is provided in the horizontal support member;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for supporting a target from the horizontal support member;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative method for supporting a target from the horizontal support member;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example method that enables deflection of the target when it is struck by a projectile;

FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram that depicts the interaction of various components included a system for suspending a ballistic target;

FIG. 10 is a pictorial representation of the top of a horizontal support member;

FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation of one example embodiment of a leg bracket;

FIG. 12 a pictorial representation of one example embodiment of a hanger;

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram that depicts the method of coupling a pivot-eye onto a tab included in a hanger receptacle; and

FIG. 14 is a tutorial diagram that illustrates the use of a slot to hold a portion of a target.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a pictorial a representation of one example embodiment of a system for suspending a ballistic target. According to this example embodiment, a system for suspending a ballistic target comprises a horizontal support member 200, a plurality of leg brackets 220, and at least one target hanger 210. According to one alternative embodiment, a system for suspending a ballistic target further includes a plurality of legs 230 that couple with the leg brackets 220 in order to support the horizontal support member 200 above a planar surface.

When the system is so assembled, a dual A-frame is configured which is very much again to a child's swing set. It should be appreciated that the A-frame for such a system is not nearly as large as a swing set and, according to some example embodiment, stands at roughly three feet above the ground.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that depicts one example method for suspending a ballistic target. In this example method, a horizontal support member is supported above a surface (step 5). Once the horizontal support member is supported above a surface, a target is then supported therefrom (step 10). When the target is struck by projectile (step 15), the target is allowed to deflect from its original position (step 20).

By allowing the target to deflect, the potential for a ricochet accident is minimized. In one alternative example method, a forward-looking profile of the horizontal support member is minimized (step 25). This minimizes the potential that a projectile will strike the forward-looking profile of the horizontal support member.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for suspending a ballistic target that further minimizes ricochet accidents. In order to further minimize ricochet accidents, this alternative method provides for constraining the target from rotating about an axis of support when it is struck by projectile (step 30).

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that depicts yet another alternative method for suspending a ballistic target that preserves the integrity of the horizontal support member. In this alternative method, the integrity of the horizontal support member 200 is substantially preserved by preserving its shape (step 35). This, according to various alternative methods, is accomplished by fabricating the horizontal support member 200 from a hardened, abrasive resistance material.

FIG. 5 depicts one alternative method is for supporting a ballistic target. In this alternative example method, a slot is provided in the horizontal support member. A portion of a target is then received into the slot (step 40). When the target is struck by projectile (step 45), the target is allowed us to pop out of the slot (step 50) that is included in the horizontal support member 200.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for supporting a target from the horizontal support member. In this alternative method, a first receiver is provided (step 55) in the horizontal support member. A second receiver is also provided (step 60) in the horizontal support member. According to this alternative method, the second receiver is situated relative to the first receiver according to a first target size (step 65). Then, a top end of a first hanger is received into the first receiver (step 70). The top end of a second hanger is then received into the second receiver (step 75). In yet and alternative method, a target is then attached to the bottom end of the first and second hanger's (step 80). It should be appreciated that by using two such hangers, a target is substantially constrained from rotating about the axis of support.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative method for supporting a target from the horizontal support member. In this alternative method, a first receiver is provided (step 85) in the horizontal support member. A third receiver is also provided (step 90) in the horizontal support member. According to this alternative method, the third receiver is situated relative to the first receiver according to a second target size (step 95). Then, a top end of a first hanger is received into the first receiver (step 100). The top end of a second hanger is then received into the third receiver (step 105). In yet an alternative method, a target is then attached to the bottom end of the first and second hanger's (step 110).

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example method that enables deflection of the target when it is struck by a projectile. According to this alternative example method, accepting a first hanger into a first receiver comprises accepting a pivot-eye, included at the top-end of the hanger, onto a tab protruding into the first receiver (step 120). In this alternative method, the pivot-eye is then substantially prevented from disengaging from the tab as the hanger pivots about the tab (step 125).

FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram that depicts the interaction of various components included a system for suspending a ballistic target. It should be appreciated that, according to this alternative example embodiment, a horizontal support member 200 servers as a central joint mechanism which accepts two or more leg stands 220. The leg stands 220 are inserted from the bottom of the horizontal support member 200 into a slot 300. The slot 300 is oriented such that the leg stands 220 supports two legs forward and aft of the horizontal support member 200. This is also depicted in FIG. 1.

The horizontal support member 200 provides one or more hanger receptacles 280. It should further be appreciated that a hanger 210 is inserted into the hanger receptacle 280, which supports the hanger 210 and a target 215 which is attached thereto. FIG. 9 also depicts that the area of a front surface 325 of the horizontal support member 200 is much smaller than the top surface 320 of the horizontal support member 200. This is frontal surface area 325 is minimized by minimizing the thickness of the horizontal support member 200 in order to reduce the profile that is projected toward a shooter, and hence reduce the likelihood of projectiles (e.g. bullets) striking this frontal surface area 325.

In one alternative embodiment, the horizontal support member 200 further provides one or more slots 330 for accepting a portion of a target, which is supported vertically above the horizontal support member 200. This is further described infra.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial representation of the top of a horizontal support member. It should be appreciated that the horizontal support member 200 of this alternative embodiment provides a first hanger receptacle 280 and a second hanger receptacle 295. In one alternative embodiment, the horizontal support member 200 further includes a third hanger receptacle 296. According to various alternative embodiment, a distance (285), a center-to-center, between the first hanger receptacle 280 and second hanger receptacle 295 is set according to the size of a first target. As such, a distance (290), again center-to-center, between the first hanger receptacle 280 and the third hanger receptacle 296 is set according to the size of a second target. As such, various sizes of targets can be accommodated by using various combinations of hanger receptacles included in the horizontal support member 200.

It should also be appreciated that the horizontal support member 200 also includes leg bracket receptacles 300. In one alternative embodiment, the leg bracket receptacles 300 included a retention 305 that helps secure the leg bracket 220 inserted into the leg bracket receptacle 300. This substantially prevents the leg bracket 220 from accidentally slipping out of the leg bracket receptacle 300. This is accomplished when an orifice included in the leg bracket 220 is partially positioned over the 305. It should be appreciated that the width of the leg bracket receptacle 300 must accommodate the thickness of the leg bracket 220 notwithstanding the tab 305. Then, when the leg bracket 220 is tilted outward away from the horizontal support member 200, the orifice included therein engages with the tab 305 provided in the leg bracket receptacle 300. This is more properly depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation of one example embodiment of a leg bracket. According to this example embodiment, a leg bracket 220 includes leg tabs 245 there oriented downward and together substantially form a A-frame shape. The leg tabs 245 are sized into the inner diameter of a leg 230. It should be appreciated that such legs are typically made from some form of piping. The legs, according to various alternative embodiment, may or may not be included in the system for suspending a ballistic target. According to yet another alternative embodiment, the leg bracket 220 includes an orifice 235 situated in the upper portion of the leg bracket so as to interact with a tab 305 that protrudes into the leg bracket receptacle 300 included in the horizontal support member 200.

FIG. 12 a pictorial representation of one example embodiment of a hanger. According to this alternative example embodiment, a hanger 210 includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper end includes a pivot-eye 250. The lower end includes a target attachment orifice 260. It should be appreciated that the lower end also includes a flat surface 265 which is intended to make a planar contact with a target 215. It should also be appreciated that the upper and lower ends of the hanger 210 are twisted so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other. A twist 255 is roughly depicted in the figure, but the actual twist comprises a swept feature that blends the upper and lower ends of the hanger 210. Typically, such a twist is accomplished by heating a metallic hanger and then mechanically forming a twisted section along the body of the hanger 210. It should also be appreciated that the actual location of the twist 255 is immaterial to the utility of the hanger 210 and the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited to any particular embodiment described here or in the figures.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram that depicts the method of coupling a pivot-eye onto a tab included in a hanger receptacle. According to this alternative example combined, the horizontal member 200 includes a hanger receptacle 280. In this diagram, the top end of a hanger is inserted in into the hanger receptacle 280 from the bottom of the horizontal support member 200. It is so inserted (positioned 211) along the front of the horizontal support member 200. As depicted in this figure, the hanger receptacle 280 includes a tab 270 that protrudes inward into the receptacle along the length of the horizontal support member 200. The tab 270, in this alternative embodiment, includes an orthogonal return 275. The orthogonal return 275 substantially prevents the hanger from disengaging from the tab 270.

From its originally inserted positioned 211, the pivot-eye 250 included at the top end of the hanger 210 is then placed over the orthogonal return 275 and is then pushed over the orthogonal return 275 and turned toward the tab 270 (position 212). In order to facilitate engagement onto the tab 270, the corner of the tab 270 and the orthogonal return 275 include a radius 272. Once past the radiused corner 272, the pivot-eye 250 is pushed onto the main portion of the tab 270 (position 213). These motions are also depicted in FIGS. 1 and 9.

FIG. 14 is a tutorial diagram that illustrates the use of a slot to hold a portion of a target. According to one example method for as heretofore taught, a portion of a target 215 is placed into a slot 330 included in the horizontal support member 200. It should be appreciated that the slot 330 is sized to accommodate a small peripheral portion of a target 215. The slot is also sized so that the target 215 is allowed to pop out of the slot 300 when it is actually struck by a projectile.

While the present method and apparatus has been described in terms of several alternative and exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that alternatives, modifications, permutations, and equivalents thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. It is therefore intended that the true spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto include all such alternatives, modifications, permutations, and equivalents. 

1. A method for presenting a target comprising: maintain a horizontal support member above a surface; supporting a target from the horizontal support member; allowing the target to deflect from an initial position when struck by a projectile; minimizing a profile presented toward a source of a projectile by the horizontal support member; and constraining the target from rotating about an axis of support when struck by a projectile.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: substantially preserving the shape of the horizontal support member when struck by a projectile.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein supporting a target comprises: receiving a portion of target into a slot disposed in the horizontal support member; and allowing the target to pop-out of the slot when struck by a projectile.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein supporting a target comprises: providing a first receiver in the horizontal support member; providing a second receiver in the horizontal support member; situating the second receiver at a distance relative to the first receiver in order to accommodate a target of a first size; accepting a first hanger into the first receiver disposed in the horizontal support member; and accepting a second hanger into the second receiver disposed in the horizontal support member.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein supporting a target comprises: providing a third receiver in the horizontal support member; situating the third receiver at a distance relative to the first receiver in order to accommodate a target of a second size; accepting a first hanger into the first receiver disposed in the horizontal support member; and accepting a second hanger into the third receiver disposed in the horizontal support member.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein accepting a first hanger into the first receiver comprises: accepting a pivot-eye disposed at a first end of the hanger onto a tab protruding into the first receiver; and substantially preventing the pivot-eye from disengaging from the tab when the hanger pivots about the tab.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled) 